Gulfport City Council Meeting – February 18, 2025

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting included a presentation on GIS from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, public comments on a variety of topics, approval of four resolutions, and reports from council members. The meeting adjourned after approximately 90 minutes of deliberation.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5.a: Unanimously approved the meeting minutes from January 21 and February 4, 2025, via a motion and second, with all council members voting aye.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots): Reported that a beach cleanup on February 8 collected 95 pounds of trash, totaling over 300 pounds in two months. Announced upcoming cleanups on March 8 and March 15 (co-hosted with Keep Pinellas Beautiful and the city). Also thanked Karen Love, Julie Armstrong, and Carmen Cardona for an art auction that raised over $3,000 for the Senior Foundation.
• Yolanda Roman (57th & 19th Ave): Read a letter accusing a council member (Vice Mayor Fridovich) of making discriminatory accusations against Brother John Muhammad based on his religion (Nation of Islam). She called on the council to denounce the comments and censure the councilman.
• Nikki Freed (no relation): Made political statements against the Republican Party, called for leftist organizing, and criticized the mayor and council regarding tree removal and DEI. Also expressed support for Palestinians and condemnation of Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Lisa Williamson (2801 46th St): Requested open and honest communication from the city regarding damage letters and permits, stating that a map showing permit numbers was misleading and that crisis management had been missed.
• Barbara Banner (name inferred): Shared personal experiences of harassment and bullying she faced as a former public servant, emphasizing that the harsh political climate, not council culture, deters people from public service. She called for mutual respect.
• Karen Love: Raised concerns about incorrect water bills (vacant homes with bills of $800–$1,500), asked about safety barricades for St. Patrick’s Day (no handrail on boardwalk), and questioned why the city rebuilds the marina exactly as it was for FEMA reimbursement despite known flooding risks.
• Courtney Prokoppus (5933 15th Ave S): Welcomed Councilmember Jackson, offered to coordinate volunteers for the community development office (received no response from City Manager O’Reilly), noted that St. Pete Beach promptly responded with a volunteer assistance guide, and called on Mayor Henderson and Councilmember Brown to hold Vice Mayor Fridovich accountable for what she termed “unconstitutional overreach” at the previous meeting.
• Anthony Michael (near Boca Ciega High School): Thanked the city for installing crosswalk lighting at 15th Ave and 55th St S, but asked for removal of dead limbs from city trees along roads, warning of future storm damage.
• Unnamed speaker (in back): Questioned whether the marina building would exceed 50% of its value for FEMA reimbursement, and suggested the city reconsider the $40,000/month contract with a corporation that is not raising sufficient funds for the senior center.
• Sam (name only): Expressed appreciation for the GIS presentation, criticized Vice Mayor Fridovich’s comments at the last meeting about Brother John Muhammad as a breach of separation of church and state, and asked who is responsible for upholding constitutional law in meetings.
• Deb Atkins (27th Ave S): Acknowledged the hard work of permit office staff, thanked the city for the post-storm session with FEMA, SBA, and NFIP, and requested more frequent updates on permit information.
• Unnamed speaker (flyer): Accused Title Basin of filing fraudulent substantial damage assessments, announced a personal lawsuit against the contractor, and called for a class action. The mayor clarified that the flyer was vague about who was accused of fraud.
• Lenny Gukenheimer (5213 Dillette Ave S): Asked whether the absence of a Fusion 49 presentation (Brother John Muhammad) was related to the earlier comments about him.
• Unnamed speaker (back): Inquired about a tree planted in memory of Ted Pottica at Clamor Park, costing $8,000, and whether the horticulturist was consulted.

Discussion Items

• GIS Presentation: Meghan Blancher, Coastal Ecologist from Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC), presented on GIS capabilities, including mapping stormwater gaps, updating critical assets (400,000+ features updated, 1,500 added), and modeling high-tide flooding (Gulfport could see 183 days of flooding per year by 2070 under a high-emissions scenario). She also highlighted free resources from Pinellas County and a NOAA course for staff. Councilmember Thanos requested copies of the regional resiliency plan for possible adoption.
• City Manager Report: City Manager O’Reilly reported that 794 permits had been issued of 1,006 applied for since September 27, 2025. He noted that new numbers would be published soon (about 150–200 outstanding). He also addressed drainage concerns on 59th Street, stating an engineer would study feasibility of redirecting flow to the Wood Ibis area, and that ownership of the parcel would be investigated.
• City Attorney Report: No report.
• City Clerk Report: No report.
• Resolution 2025-20 (Summer Recreation Fees): City Manager O’Reilly explained the 10-week program (June 2–August 8) with rates maintained from last year, and noted participation in the Early Learning Coalition to subsidize children who cannot afford the program. Public comment: David thanked the city for the program. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution 2025-21 (Elevator Modernization Change Order): City Manager O’Reilly explained the change order due to damage discovered during replacement (rust in the pit and a leak). Public comment: One speaker objected to the 50% rule for public buildings, stating the building will flood again. City staff clarified that the recreation center did not exceed 50% of its value (special appraisal). Unanimously approved.
• Resolution 2025-22 (Public Records Exemption for Municipal Clerks): City Clerk Carico explained this urges the state legislature to provide an exemption for clerks and employees involved in election work or code enforcement, similar to existing exemptions for code enforcement officers. Public comment: Barbara Banner supported the measure, noting that city workers face harassment. One speaker opposed exempting elected officials. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution 2025-23 (Stetson University Bonds): Attorney Ken Arden presented the refinancing of bonds issued in 2020, with no liability to the city. Public comment: None. Unanimously approved.
• Council Comments: Vice Mayor Fridovich stated he had apologized to Brother John Muhammad and they are “copacetic.” Councilmember Thanos reported on a town hall about resilience and the continuum of care meeting (handed over to Councilmember Jackson). Councilmember Brown promoted the upcoming home tour. Councilmember Jackson shared alarming statistics about Pinellas County’s homeless and food insecurity rankings (top 10 nationally, often top 5). Mayor Henderson mentioned a potential presentation from the Foundation for Healthy St. Pete and clarified that no council member can influence permit issuance. Councilmember Thanos raised concerns about duplicate damage letters to homeowners and suggested exploring volunteer programs for future emergencies. Mayor Henderson noted that property tax revenues may decrease by 25% due to displacement.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-20: Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-21: Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-22: Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-23: Approved unanimously.
• Directives: City Manager O’Reilly will publish updated permit numbers and investigate drainage on 59th Street. Council will consider adopting the regional resiliency plan. City will explore volunteer coordination for future emergencies. Staff will monitor water bill issues and adjust as needed.